The Ministry of Mines and Energy announced on March 10 the adoption of new measures for the essential public service of electricity in response to the State of Economic, Social, and Ecological Emergency declared by Decree 0150 on February 11, 2026.
These measures mean that electricity service providers are not allowed to charge or bill users whose properties were affected by the emergency in the departments of Córdoba, Antioquia, La Guajira, Sucre, Bolívar, Cesar, Magdalena, and Chocó. Billing can only resume once the property is restored to a functional state and the provider has reestablished safe service conditions.
For electricity consumption billed in the cycle immediately before the emergency declaration, providers must offer payment deferrals or other payment mechanisms to affected users over a period of twelve months. This term may be extended if both parties agree.
In cases where user-owned equipment such as meters or connections was damaged but later restored by the provider, payment facilities must be offered over a period ranging from twelve to thirty-six months.
Additionally, during this emergency period, economic effects related to under-execution of investment plans and loss reduction plans by network operators serving affected municipalities will be exceptionally suspended if under-execution occurred in those plans.
The Ministry said these steps aim to support residents and ensure continued access to essential services while recovery efforts continue.
